tracker
My Shows
News on your favorite shows, specials & more!
Home For You Chat My Shows (beta) Register/Login Games Grosses
Michael John LaChiusa Headshot

Michael John LaChiusa

read more news

Get Michael John LaChiusa Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

BIO

Michael John LaChiusa is a Tony-nominated composer, lyricist, and librettist known for his innovative and daring works in musical theatre. Born in 1962 in Chautauqua, New York, LaChiusa began his career in the theatre as a performer before transitioning to writing.


LaChiusa's breakthrough came in 1993 with the Off-Broadway production of "Hello Again," a musical adaptation of Arthur Schnitzler's "La Ronde." The show was praised for its unconventional structure, which followed a series of sexual encounters between ten characters across different eras and social classes. LaChiusa's score blended musical styles from each era, ranging from opera to disco, and earned him his first Drama Desk Award nomination.
In 1994, LaChiusa made his Broadway debut with "The Petrified Prince," a musical adaptation of a play by Tennessee Williams. The show received mixed reviews and closed after just five performances, but LaChiusa's score was praised for its haunting melodies and intricate harmonies.
LaChiusa's next major work was "Marie Christine," a musical retelling of the Greek myth of Medea set in 19th century New Orleans. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 1999 and starred Audra McDonald in the title role. LaChiusa's score blended opera, jazz, and gospel music, and earned him his first Tony Award nomination for Best Original Score.
In 2000, LaChiusa returned to Broadway with "The Wild Party," a musical adaptation of the 1928 poem by Joseph Moncure March. The show starred Toni Collette and Mandy Patinkin as a dysfunctional couple hosting a party in their Manhattan apartment. LaChiusa's score drew inspiration from the jazz age and featured show-stopping numbers like "Queenie Was a Blonde" and "Welcome to My Party." The show received mixed reviews but earned LaChiusa his second Tony nomination for Best Original Score.
LaChiusa's next major work was "See What I Wanna See," a musical based on three short stories by Japanese author Ryunosuke Akutagawa. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2005 and starred Idina Menzel and Marc Kudisch. LaChiusa's score blended rock, pop, and classical music, and earned him his third Drama Desk Award nomination.
In 2008, LaChiusa returned to Broadway with "The Glorious Ones," a musical based on the novel by Francine Prose. The show starred Nathan Lane and featured a score inspired by Italian Renaissance music. Though the show received mixed reviews, LaChiusa's score was praised for its lush harmonies and intricate melodies.
LaChiusa has also worked extensively in opera, with productions of his works staged by the New York City Opera and the Houston Grand Opera. In 2011, he premiered "Giant," a musical adaptation of the novel by Edna Ferber, at the Signature Theatre in Virginia. The show starred Kate Baldwin and Brian d'Arcy James and featured a score inspired by country and western music.
LaChiusa's most recent work is "Rain," a musical adaptation of the short story by Somerset Maugham. The show premiered Off-Broadway in 2016 and starred Jennifer Kim and Thom Sesma. LaChiusa's score blended jazz and Asian music, and earned him his fourth Drama Desk Award nomination.

Photos

Productions

The Wild Party
 
[Off-Broadway, 2026]
Music
Lyrics
Writer
Summer and SmokeSummer and Smoke
 
[Off-Broadway, 2018]
Composer of Original Music
Little Fish
 
[Off-Broadway, 2006]
Musical Director

Writing

The Petrified Prince
Composer
Lyricist
Giant
Composer & Lyricist
Rain
Composer/Lyricist
Bernarda Alba
Lyricist
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
Composer
First Lady Suite
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Composer
Hello Again
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
Highest Yellow
Composer/Lyricist
Hotel C'est L'Amour
Composer/Lyricist
Little Fish
Composer
Bookwriter
Lyricist
Marie Christine
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter
See What I Wanna See
Composer
Lyricist
Bookwriter
The Wild Party
Lyricist
Composer
Bookwriter

Awards and Nominations

Drama Desk Awards - 2024 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, The Gardens of Anuncia

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Lyrics

Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite

Drama Desk Awards - 2016 - Outstanding Music

Michael John LaChiusa, First Daughter Suite

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Lyrics

Michael John LaChiusa, Giant

Drama Desk Awards - 2013 - Outstanding Music

Michael John LaChiusa, Giant

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Lyrics

Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist

Drama Desk Awards - 2012 - Outstanding Music

Michael John LaChiusa, Queen of the Mist

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Michael John LaChiusa, The Wild Party

Tony Awards - 2000 - Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre

Michael John LaChiusa, Marie Christine


winner
- 1999 - Most promising musical theatre librettist

Michael John Lachiusa

Tony Awards - 1996 - Best Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, Chronicle of a Death Foretold


winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Special Citations

Michael John LaChiusa, First Lady Suite


winner
Obie Awards - 1994 - Special Citations

Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Book of a Musical

Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again

Drama Desk Awards - 1993 - Outstanding Music

Michael John LaChiusa, Hello Again

Videos

More Videos

News


WOMAN IS… EDEN ESPINOSA To Receive World Premiere At The Wallis This December Photo
WOMAN IS… EDEN ESPINOSA To Receive World Premiere At The Wallis This December
by A.A. Cristi - Nov 26, 2025

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will present the world premiere of WOMAN IS… EDEN ESPINOSA on December 19, 2025. Eden Espinosa will appear in a one-night concert blending theatrical and contemporary music.
Video: Broadway Vet Brooke Tansley Starts SNAP 'Buddy System' Amidst Government Shutd Photo
Video: Broadway Vet Brooke Tansley Starts SNAP 'Buddy System' Amidst Government Shutdown
by Stephi Wild - Oct 29, 2025

A Broadway veteran is making headlines for using social media to connect families losing SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown with a 'buddy' who can help them out.
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION Photo
The History of Feminist Plays That Came Before LIBERATION
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - Oct 28, 2025

As the fight for women to have equal rights and opportunities has evolved, so has the presence of plays telling these stories. When I wrote my book, Women Writing Musicals: The Legacy that the History Books Left Out, the first-ever book about female musical theatre writers, I researched many musicals that are in this genre as well.
Video: Hugh Panaro & Elizabeth Stanley Rehearse with the New York Pops Photo
Video: Hugh Panaro & Elizabeth Stanley Rehearse with the New York Pops
by Joey Mervis - Oct 23, 2025

Vocal powerhouses Hugh Panaro and Elizabeth Stanley will join in a program of hits beloved by fans of classic films and Broadway musicals alike. Watch as they rehearse with the Pops in this video!
Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Join City Center 2026 Encores! Productio Photo
Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and More to Join City Center 2026 Encores! Productions
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 16, 2025

New York City Center has unveiled additional cast members for its Encores! series, including Katrina Lenk, Jasmine Amy Rogers and more. Learn more about the productions and see how to purchase tickets here!
DISNEY'S FROZEN and More Announced for Syracuse University Drama 2025"2026 Season Photo
DISNEY'S FROZEN and More Announced for Syracuse University Drama 2025"2026 Season
by A.A. Cristi - Oct 10, 2025

The Syracuse University Department of Drama has announced its 2025–2026 season, featuring Bernarda Alba, Antigonick, Picnic, A Rebel Prayer, Baltimore, and a co-production of Disney’s Frozen The Broadway Musical with Syracuse Stage.
PREMIERES NYC to Present 25 IN 25 Gala in November Photo
PREMIERES NYC to Present 25 IN 25 Gala in November
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Oct 8, 2025

PREMIERES NYC will present “25 in 25”, a gala event at The Edison Rooftop. Learn more about the upcoming gala and see how to purchase tickets to the event here!
George C. Wolfe: Behind the Curtain of Broadway’s Visionary Director Photo
George C. Wolfe: Behind the Curtain of Broadway’s Visionary Director
by Charles Kirsch - Sep 30, 2025

In 2024, the pioneering director George C. Wolfe, who brought iconic pieces like Angels in America and The Normal Heart to Broadway stages for the first time, was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Tony Award. If that award is meant to signal the twilight of a career, however, fear not: Wolfe came back to New York the very next year with his critically acclaimed revival of Gypsy starring Audra McDonald. 
Stage Direction: The Legendary Hal Prince Photo
Stage Direction: The Legendary Hal Prince
by Charles Kirsch - Sep 3, 2025

Charles Kirsch is the 17-year-old host of the theater podcast Backstage Babble, where he has conducted over 250 in-depth interviews with some of Broadway’s best. In “Stage Direction,” he will be using material from the podcast and additional interviews to chronicle the career and impact of some of the most influential theater directors. 
THE NEW SEVEN DEADLY SINS to be Presented at Skylark Opera Theatre Photo
THE NEW SEVEN DEADLY SINS to be Presented at Skylark Opera Theatre
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Aug 4, 2025

Skylark Opera Theatre will present the Minnesota premiere of The New Seven Deadly Sins at The Crane Theater in August. Learn more and see how to purchase tickets!
Out of the Box Theatrics Will Relocate to Playhouse 46 in 2026 Photo
Out of the Box Theatrics Will Relocate to Playhouse 46 in 2026
by Stephi Wild - Jul 7, 2025

Out of the Box Theatrics will relocate to a new permanent home at the theater formerly known as Playhouse 46 starting at the top of 2026. Learn more about the move here!
NY City Center Season Will Include Alex Timbers-Helmed BAT BOY; Billy Porter in LA CA Photo
NY City Center Season Will Include Alex Timbers-Helmed BAT BOY; Billy Porter in LA CAGE AUX FOLLES
by Nicole Rosky - Jun 10, 2025

A new season is coming at New York City Center! The 2025 – 2026 Season will be the first planned by newly appointed VP & Artistic Director,  Musical Theater Jenny Gersten. We have all of the details here!
What is the History of New Musicals at the Public Theater? Photo
What is the History of New Musicals at the Public Theater?
by Jennifer Ashley Tepper - May 20, 2025

The new musical Goddess can currently be seen in its New York premiere production at the Public Theater on Lafayette Street. Directed by the Public’s associate artistic director and resident director Saheem Ali, who is currently Tony Award-nominated for directing Buena Vista Social Club, Goddess is playing at the Public’s largest space by capacity, the Newman Theatre.
Photos: Lincoln Center Theater Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Gala Photo
Photos: Lincoln Center Theater Celebrates Ruby Jubilee Gala
by Jennifer Broski - May 20, 2025

Jason Danieley directed Lincoln Center Theater’s Ruby Jubilee Gala, one night only event featuring songs from LCT productions spanning four decades, performed by beloved Broadway stars. We have photos from inside the big night here.
Betsy Morgan to Join ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE at Keen Company Photo
Betsy Morgan to Join ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE at Keen Company
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Apr 30, 2025

Betsy Morgan will take over the role of Dede in Adam Gwon’s musical All the World’s A Stage currently playing at Theatre Five in Theatre Row. Learn more about the show here!
Cast Of MADAME CLICQUOT Revealed At Pittsburgh CLO Photo
Cast Of MADAME CLICQUOT Revealed At Pittsburgh CLO
by A.A. Cristi - Apr 30, 2025

Pittsburgh CLO, in association with 42nd Parallel Productions, has announced the cast of the highly anticipated world premiere of MADAME CLICQUOT: A Revolutionary Musical, an empowering new production based on the extraordinary true story of the woman who revolutionized the champagne industry.
Which Shows are Newly Available for Licensing? Photo
Which Shows are Newly Available for Licensing?
by Sidney Paterra - Apr 29, 2025

What is theatrical licensing and why is it important? Check out our for guide to how licensing works and view an updating list of new shows to license!
Lincoln Center Theater Will Host Ruby Jubilee Gala With Stephanie J. Block, Roger Bar Photo
Lincoln Center Theater Will Host Ruby Jubilee Gala With Stephanie J. Block, Roger Bart, and More
by Stephi Wild - Mar 26, 2025

On Monday, May 19, Jason Danieley will direct Lincoln Center Theater’s Ruby Jubilee Gala, one night only event featuring songs from LCT productions spanning four decades. Learn more here!
Children's Musical Theater San Jose Names Kikau Alvaro as New Artistic Director Photo
Children's Musical Theater San Jose Names Kikau Alvaro as New Artistic Director
by Chloe Rabinowitz - Mar 5, 2025

Children’s Musical Theater San Jose Board of Directors and Managing Director Dana Zell named Kikau Alvaro as the new Artistic Director, succeeding Kevin Hauge, who will retire at the end of the current season. Learn more!
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below Photo
Review: BACKSTAGE BABBLE Brought Flops Back to Life at 54 Below
by Andrew Poretz - Feb 25, 2025

Charles Kirsch’s latest Backstage Babble was a fun resurrection of songs from mostly flop shows that quickly failed on Broadway or out of town. The theme was inspired by Joe Allen's “flop wall” of posters from shows that closed in the first week.
More News

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How many shows has Michael John LaChiusa written?

Michael John LaChiusa has written 17 shows including Bernarda Alba (Bookwriter), A...My Name Is Alice (Material), Buzzsaw Berkeley (Composer), Four Short Operas (Bookwriter), First Lady Suite (Bookwriter), Hello Again (Bookwriter), The Petrified Prince (Composer), Chronicle of a Death Foretold (Additional Material), Marie Christine (Bookwriter), The Wild Party (Bookwriter), Little Fish (Bookwriter), R Shomon (Composer), Highest Yellow (Composer/Lyricist), Hotel C'est L'Amour (Composer/Lyricist), Giant (Composer & Lyricist), Rain (Composer/Lyricist), The Gardens of Anuncia (Book).

What awards has Michael John LaChiusa been nominated for?

Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for The Gardens of Anuncia, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for First Daughter Suite, Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Giant, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Outstanding Lyrics (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Queen of the Mist , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for The Wild Party, Best Original Score (Music and/or Lyrics) Written for the Theatre (Tony Awards) for Marie Christine, Most promising musical theatre librettist () for , Best Book of a Musical (Tony Awards) for Chronicle of a Death Foretold, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for First Lady Suite, Special Citations (Obie Awards) for Hello Again, Outstanding Book of a Musical (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Again and Outstanding Music (Drama Desk Awards) for Hello Again .

What awards has Michael John LaChiusa won?

Michael John LaChiusa has received several notable awards, including the Most Promising Musical Theatre Librettist award. He has also earned Special Citations from the Obie Awards for his work on First Lady Suite and Hello Again.

Get Michael John LaChiusa Email Alerts

Be the first to get news, photos, videos & more.

Videos